The Blavatnik School of Government Alumni Network hosts its second Policy Fest to explore the intricacies of politics and public policies in Latin America during these challenging times.

Security is one of the most fundamental concerns of Latin American citizens, spanning from Mexico to Chile. In recent years, the region has experienced a significant surge in organised crime activity, drug trafficking, and violence. These issues are further exacerbated by the absence of effective public policies aimed at addressing social cohesion, urban inequality, access to education, and employment opportunities. In this context, the case of El Salvador serves as an example of the complexities involved in balancing security policies and the protection of civil rights, individual freedoms, and the overall functioning of democracy and public institutions for the sake of battling crime and insecurity. During this session, we will explore how to tackle the unavoidable tension between the State’s fundamental goal of providing security and the fundamental need to respect and promote democratic values and institutions, including the rights and liberties of citizens.